18th Century French School, Courtyard Of A Ruined Palace, Pen Drawing

18th Century french School, 
Courtyard of a ruined palazzo, An Architectural Capriccio,
Pen and black ink and black  ink wash on paper
17 x 12 cm
In good condition
Framed : 32 x 26 cm

This drawing is particularly charming in the fanciful details that characterise it as imaginative architecture. The detail of the wall on the right, about to collapse, and the wooden palisade provide a counterpoint to the refined details of the architecture, which combine ancient and medieval inspiration, and the statue in the foreground.
An invitation to the imagination and a meditation on the passage of time.

This type of work is reminiscent of French garden design at the end of the 18th century, where ruins of buildings or architectural elements inspired by Antiquity were used to encourage visitors to get away from it all.
All this is typical of the period that preceded and heralded Romantic art.

The 18th century was truly the golden age of fantastic architecture, otherwise known as Capriccio, which also inspired fields other than painting and drawing, such as the art of the gardens. The best-known artist is obviously Piranesi, who remains the benchmark for fantastic architecture.